Why Study History?

NameClass

Your Task

• 5 minutes– Draw a picture of what YOU

think a historian looks like– DO THE BEST YOU CAN…

YOU ARE NOT PICASSO… OR ARE YOU?

– Be prepared to discuss the job a historian performs

Discussion Questions

• What did you include in your drawing? Why?

• Tally Time:– Man– White– Glasses– Book– Why these stereotypes?

Historian - Defined

• his·to·ri·an (hĭ-stôr'ē-ən, -stōr'-, -stŏr'-) n.  

• A writer, student, or scholar of history.

• One who writes or compiles a chronological record of events; a chronicler.

• THIS IS YOU!

What is History?

• “History is the lie commonly agreed upon” – Voltaire

• “Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past” – George Orwell

• How do we view history?

What is History?

What is History?

Why Study History?

• Everyday skills

Why Study History?

• Be An Informed Citizen!– What issues concern you?

• Creation of well paying jobs?• The war in Iraq?• Safety from Terrorism?• Affordable college?• Gas prices?• Candidates motivation and vision?

Why Study History?

• 47% of Americans 18-24 voted in 2004

• 36% of Americans 18-24 voted in 2000

NO SMOKING IN CARS

Why Study History?

• Connections to Present Day

Historical Process

• Primary vs. Secondary Sources– Bias and Perspective

Primary Source Homework• Find 4-5 primary sources based

around YOUR life• Be sure the primary sources

can illustrate important parts of your life

• You will present in front of the class next week